Russia
NATO ready for meaningful dialogue with Russia: Stoltenberg
Addressing a press conference following the extraordinary meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Stoltenberg on Friday said that the meeting addressed Russia's military build-up around Ukraine and the implications for European security, Xinhua news agency reported. He said Russia's actions "seriously undermine the security order" in Europe. "NATO remains committed to our dual-track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defense, combined with meaningful dialogue."
EU foreign policy chief reaffirms support for Ukraine
"We are here first to reaffirm the European Union's full support of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Borrell told reporters during a media briefing. The EU has been providing political, financial and economic support for Kiev, Borrell said, noting that the bloc's Association Agreement with Ukraine is "the most comprehensive agreement it has with any other third country in the world", reports Xinhua news agency.
Joe Biden assures Ukraine President US, allies will ‘respond decisively’ to any invasion by Russia
"He (Biden) reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the White House said in a statement. President Biden, after his new year's eve telephonic conversation with President Putin, had told reporters that America will impose crippling economic sanctions on Russia in the event of its invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. will also hold official-level talks with Russia on January 10 in Geneva to advance the resolution according to the principles of the Minsk Resolution.
Kazakh President vows 'tough' response as situation 'extremely tense'
"Despite my repeated appeals for calm, individuals calling themselves 'protesters' continue to exacerbate the situation in the country," Xinhua news agency quoted Tokayev as saying in an address to the nation on Wednesday. He said that the situation is especially difficult in the Kazakh city of Almaty and added: "As president, I am obliged to protect the safety and peace of our citizens, to worry about the integrity of Kazakhstan.
Russia safeguards national interests, security in 2021: Putin
"We faced colossal challenges, but we learned to live in such harsh conditions to solve complex problems. We were able to do this thanks to our solidarity," Putin said on Friday.
"The most important thing is that we overcame all the difficulties of the outgoing year together ... There are still a lot of unsolved problems, but this year we passed with dignity," he added.
Russia to host 'Troika Plus' meet on Afghanistan
In November, Islamabad hosted a Troika Plus meeting during which Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the engagement with the Taliban's Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) government in Afghanistan must continue in order to help consolidate peace and stability. The group had also previously met in Qatar in August to discuss political solutions to the conflict during the IEA's takeover of Afghanistan.
President Biden, Putin hold phone call amid heightened tensions over Ukraine
Biden on Thursday urged Russia to "de-escalate tensions with Ukraine" and made it clear that the US and its allies and partners will "respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," according to a statement by White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki on the phone call.
Russia arms Tajikistan amid concern over Afghanistan
The shipments were aimed at helping Tajikistan effectively counter threats coming from outside, Putin said on Monday during a meeting with visiting Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Russia's St. Petersburg. Calling Tajikistan a reliable and close ally of Russia, the Russian President expressed concern over the situation on the Tajik-Afghan borders, Xinhua news agency reported.
Putin assures Vucic of sufficient gas supplies to Serbia
The presidents noted that the two sides have organised work to ensure stable supplies of heat and energy to Serbian households and industries, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Kremlin. The promise of sufficient gas supplies was made amid a natural gas shortage and rising energy prices in Europe, the statement said.
Russian paratroopers holding drills near Ukrainian border: Report
The Russian President has denied all allegations claiming that Russia plans to invade Ukraine. President Putin has instead demanded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to abandon all military activity in Eastern Europe and not admit Ukraine as a member, as per reports.
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